Lexington, Ma. - Tyco Fire & Security today introduced its new Software House iSTAR eX physical access controller using FIPS 197-validated Advanced Encryption Standard (AES) encryption. This new solution is the first security controller on the market to offer onboard 256-bit on-board AES encryption, a key step in helping organizations comply with the strict security guidelines set forth by the U.S. government's Federal Information Processing Standards Publications (FIPS) 140-2 standard. iSTAR eX is scheduled to begin validation under FIPS 140-2, the government's most rigorous security standard for encrypted products.
The FIPS standard is gaining worldwide recognition as an important benchmark for third party validations of encryption products of all kinds. FIPS 140-2 is a joint effort by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) in the United States and the Communications Security Establishment (CSE) under the Canadian government. The Cryptographic Module Validation Program (CMVP), headed by NIST, provides module and algorithm testing for FIPS 140-2, which applies to federal agencies using validated cryptographic modules to protect sensitive government data in computer and telecommunication systems. FIPS 140-2 validation of the iSTAR eX access controller will provide customers with a high degree of security, assurance, and dependability not currently available with other solutions.
To ensure indisputable validation processes and methods for its encryption, Software House enlisted the assistance of third party industry expert Corsec Security, Inc., a company that specializes in helping companies navigate through the complex process of receiving FIPS 140-2 and Common Criteria (CC) certifications, and offers unmatched expertise in achieving government validation. "Corsec is thrilled to be working with Tyco Fire & Security on the iSTAR eX controller FIPS 140-2 validation," said John Morris, president and co-founder of Corsec Security. "Their enthusiasm towards this validation is a strong indication of their commitment to providing the highest level security for encrypted products."
The four door Ethernet-based iSTAR eX physical access controller is ideal for any government or enterprise customer requiring the highest level of security available, without the need for an external encryption box. Since even the largest worldwide corporations have smaller facilities that need to be secured using standard solutions, iSTAR eX works with the scalable C•CURE 800/8000 system and other Software House controllers to provide a solution that can be used across the entire enterprise; whether at the main headquarters with hundreds of employees or the regional branches with only a few employees. iSTAR eX ensures that the same security policies and procedures are implemented across the entire company without the overhead of an 8- or 16-door controller, reducing maintenance and infrastructure costs.
"iSTAR eX works with the new version of C•CURE 800/8000 (v9.1) to offer critical government and enterprise features, including support for encryption key management, threat level management, and event-based clearance filters, making it the most powerful security solution on the market," said Peter Boriskin, director of product management for Tyco Fire & Security's access control solutions. "The latest product release gives government agencies and safety-minded enterprises the ability to quickly adapt the security system to their dynamic environments."
The iSTAR eX controller joins the growing suite of Software House security solutions including the Software House Multi-Technology Reader which supports government issued dual interface PIV II cards.
For more information on Software House access control and security management solutions, visit www.swhouse.com.
